The vacant M&S shop window on Commercial Road has been transformed into an attractive high street display following a new Bournemouth Town Centre BID funded initiative.

The Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is putting a spin on the visible challenges facing high streets across the UK by using an empty shop window to promote Bournemouth and its retail offering. Funding a new window vinyl project, they aim to improve the local visitor experience and brighten up the town centre. Window vinyls not only improve the look of empty units, but can help with the quicker letting of empty properties. The BID is also working with other Bournemouth landlords to vinyl more vacant shop fronts.

Responding to feedback from levy payers and supporting local businesses, the Town Centre BID engaged the services of Bournemouth-based design and marketing agency, Digital Storm. Seeking to improve the look of the area, they have produced the attractive vinyl display which can now be seen covering the back and front of the old Marks & Spencer store on Commercial Road. Funding the initiative, the Town Centre BID worked closely with M&S representatives to gain permission for the project.

“Using the empty shop front as a canvas for promoting Bournemouth’s excellent visitor experience, we want to encourage more people to shop, return to and stay in the town centre for longer. Whilst Bournemouth is bucking the national trend with increasing annual footfall figures, our ongoing activities will strengthen our area against the many challenges facing high streets nationally.’’

The Town Centre BID aims to promote the town centre and increase its competitiveness against other UK destinations. Utilising their distinctive Bournemouth brand colours, the vinyls also feature information about the team of Town Centre Rangers. Acting as the welcoming face of Bournemouth, the Rangers operate 7 days a week during core trading hours. Forming a bridge between local businesses and the security services, they help to deter crime by creating a sense of safety, solidarity and positivity.